EU CONDEMNS VIOLENCE IN SKOPLJE

ZAGREB/LUXEMBOURG, June 26 (Hina) - Three senior European officials on Tuesday condemned last night's violence on the streets of Skoplje and called on Macedonians to embrace a chance for peace and not let the logic of conflict win. The European Union strongly condemns last night's violence in Skoplje. It will not give up its firm decision to do all it can, in cooperation with NATO and other international organisations, to help the government in Skoplje solve the crisis through dialogue and restore peace and safety for all citizens, reads a statement issued in Luxembourg by Ana Lindh, the Foreign Minister of Sweden, the country chairing the EU, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana and European Commissioner for External Relations Chris Patten. The EU is willing to provide assistance in finding a comprehensive political solution and financially and politically back such a solution which is the only guarantee on the path toward Europe, says the statement. Last night's protests in Skoplje were caused by the dissatisfaction of Macedonians with the fact that Albanian guerrillas from the nearby village of Aracinovo were allowed to withdraw to other Albanian-populated areas under NATO escort, without having to lay down their weapons. (hina) sb rml